Experiential Blog 9

Throughout this study abroad program, I have encountered new information every day. The most meaningful part of this trip was seeing all the different countries, and being able to interact with other people in a country different from my own. Some of the places I went to, I ran into some really nice people who ask us about where we are from and I found it most interesting that they all ask the same question: What do you like most about America? I couldn't even answer that. I feel like our cultures are similar but also so different. I feel like if I am in a situation where cultures differ, I will be able to handle it. Being aware of the cultures and asking questions because asking them questions is okay will help understand who they are and what their culture is. Having the knowledge then will reduce the stereotypes we make on other countries and maybe change our behavior in the future.

Experiential Blog 8

During this study abroad experience I have been introduced to what empire is. We see empire in our every day life from government, architecture, officers, and much more. My learning is different when studying abroad. I feel like this is a more hands on learning in a way that we get to go to the places where our readings are taken place. There is a lot of history I have learned through the readings and the places I have been to. The palaces and tours we have been to helped me personally retain the information rather than learning this information in a classroom back at home. Physically being in the area and seeing the history itself changes your perspective on how you learn and see things. In my case I have learned about what empire is, and how to see empire in my life.

Experiential Blog 7

Throughout my trip thus far, I have been able to observe people's attitudes, how people think about time, personal space, and how to treat foreigners. Each place I have visited they all treat time the same way. They follow military time which is different from how we tell time. During my free weekend I went to Paris. I noticed that they don't have much personal space. I saw multiple people kissing on both sides of the persons cheek, while we would never do this. I noticed that some places I went to were more touristsy than the rest. People in Grantham, London, and Vienna were easy to get along with, while Paris and Prague the people weren't so great. When I was in Prague those who would be working at a store or restaurant and i wouldn't give them exact change, they would have s rude attitude. Paris was different, but the locals there don't seem too friendly towards the tourists. I met a couple while in Paris during one of our tours and they mentioned how they had been traveling for a little while. They mentioned that it was very frowned upon in Germany to rest your foot on a subway seat and they threatened that they would have to pay a fine if it happened again. It is interesting to hear others experiences. I can tell by someone's body language and facial expressions on how their attitude is. It is important to respect another culture and to acknowledge others in your surroundings.